PUPILS from Northfield Academy in Aberdeen are set to benefit from a new community initiative driven by Sodexo’s Aberdeen-based Energy & Resources team and HMP Addiewell in West Lothian. Together they have donated 26 refurbished bikes, providing much-needed support to local students.
Working alongside its local charity partner, children’s charity Abernecessities, which provides basic essentials to local children and families experiencing extreme financial hardship, Sodexo’s Energy & Resources team saw an opportunity to partner with colleagues at HMP Addiewell to help pupils from Northfield Academy, by donating refurbished bikes from the prison’s bike workshop for pupils to use.
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26 bikes have been refurbished by prisoners at HMP Addiewell as part of a rehabilitation programme to equip prisoners with valuable skills for post-release employment, reducing the risk of re-offending.
The school has also provided the team at HMP Addiewell with a further 13 bikes to be reconditioned and Sodexo Energy & Resources will continue to seek ways it can further support Abernecessities and the Northfield Academy Team.
Tony Brady, Business Development Director, Energy & Resources, Sodexo, said: “Every child should have access to the necessities required to live a happy and fulfilled life. This project has been a true team effort with our local partner Abernecessities, but also with the help of the employability team at HMP Addiewell who were able to drive this initiative at the prison.”
Danielle Flecher-Horn, Founder of Abernecessities, added: “Gifting these bikes to the pupils of Northfield Academy will not only encourage them to ride to school, promoting a healthier lifestyle through increased physical activity, but also encourage a sense of independence and hopefully increase school attendance. To be able to link Sodexo with the wonderful team at Northfield Academy is wonderful; we are delighted to be part of such a meaningful initiative.”
Craig McDermott, Head Teacher of Northfield Academy, said: “I am delighted young people in our school will have increased access to bikes, and the opportunity to use these as part of their learning, thanks to our partnership with Abernecessities, Sodexo and HMP Addiewell. It will provide learners with the opportunity to increase their understanding of road safety, sustainable methods of transport, and skills in bike repair/maintenance.”
